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For pols it's tax first, ask questions later

It seems the standard for politicians today, especially for the Democrats, is to raise taxes before even looking for waste to cut, fraud or abuse of taxpayer funds in government.

Politicians, both on the state and federal levels, seem oblivious to what is obvious to most taxpayers -- that fraud and abuse run rampant, especially in entitlement programs.

Recent articles in the Boston Herald bring to light such instances of abuse. Thousands of EBT recipients that can't be found receive millions in taxpayer funds. There are soaring costs of unfunded pension liabilities in cities and towns, not to mention at the federal level, with little or no attempts to resolve the situation.

Politicians receive stipends for driving to work, for food, mileage and lodging, as well as taxpayer-funded vehicles, extensive and unnecessary staffing levels. They're given millions of dollars to replace office equipment and furniture, much of which will sit in storage.

Now stories of many employees at the MBTA making salaries between $100,000-$200,000 annually, and the governor wants to raise taxes to reduce debt and expand transportation throughout the state? Then there's the constant drumbeat by Gov. Patrick to give in-state tuition rates and driver's licenses to illegal aliens, allow them to break the law and continue to be on the dole at taxpayer expense. Enough is enough!

In a normal world, common sense would dictate simple answers for many of these abuses.

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Cut off any money that is going to these unknown EBT recipients, then when they re-apply, perform checks to make sure they are valid state residents (and citizens) and that they are actually eligible for assistance. Cut off perks and pensions for all politicians, period. They are elected to serve the people, not to rule as kings and make a career out of it.

As for pensions, let them put into 401k's like the rest of the people have to do. Make do with less staffing, cheaper office space and furnishing and no more perks. Most of all, stop allowing lawbreakers to bankrupt our health care, education and other institutions.

I have no problem with people coming here to make a better life (as long as it is done legally and they wait in line (like most do), but they need to realize we are a nation of laws and if they have a problem with that, they can look elsewhere. I doubt that most other countries would be so tolerant of lawbreakers.

As for inept politicians, look for real answers instead of scaring the population with cuts against the poor, elderly, veterans, and others who can least afford them. Solutions are there, you just have to look for them. Tax increases are not, and should not be the answer to all our home-grown ills. A little common sense goes a long way.

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